The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party, citing systemic deception and betrayal of trust by the party leadership.
In a scathing resignation letter dated Sunday and addressed to the Chairman of his Udunedum Ward in Udenu LGA, Ezeugwu declared the PDP’s operations in Enugu as “Deceitocracy.” He pinpointed the 2023 election primaries as his breaking point, stating:
“For the records, the breaking point for me was, but not limited to, the events during the build-up to the 2023 general elections. The party leadership, with their allies, driven by selfishness, arrogated to themselves the responsibility and clumsily selected candidates for the elections against the advice of well-meaning members of the party.”
The former lawmaker detailed how the PDP allegedly sacrificed merit for mediocrity, noting: “In many instances, merit was glaringly sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity, and deceit was ingloriously elevated to unimaginable proportions.”
He expressed relief at rejecting what he called a “Trojan Horse” despite facing economic suppression and political ridicule.
Ezeugwu particularly condemned the treatment of first-time Assembly members and aspirants who were allegedly misled into conducting constituency projects with false promises:
“Those who were given such opportunities were left stranded when they needed support and encouragement. Meanwhile, the party leadership was busy flirting around with candidates of other political parties vying for the highest political office at the national level.”
The former Deputy Speaker lamented the betrayal of trust within the party, especially given the contributions of the 7th Assembly members: “For me, trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship… It is pitiful, shameful, and heartbreaking that ‘Papas deceived Pikins’ who respected, trusted, and treated them as fathers. DECEITOCRACY.”
Ezeugwu’s resignation deals another blow to the PDP in Enugu State, following recent defections by other prominent members.